Discover a unique region of rural England by heritage rail, encountering the rugged beauty of the Peak District and hearing the hidden stories of its quaint villages

Your holiday begins in the historic city of Derby where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group at our hotel in the Cathedral Quarter this afternoon. Perfectly placed for exploring the main attractions of the Peak District, you are free to start getting to know the local area at your own pace.

Derby is described as a 'city in the countryside' and if you fancy a stroll, you could visit the first public-owned urban park in Britain - the wonderful Derby Arboretum, a vast open space within a mile of the city. Or you could choose to meander along the riverbank of the Derwent. The Cathedral Quarter is a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and cafés where you might like to stop for a cup of tea this afternoon.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner as a group served at the hotel restaurant.

Today after breakfast, we travel by coach to the charming market town of Bakewell, the capital of the Peak District on the banks of the River Wye. With time at leisure here, you can wander the quaint courtyards, admire the impressive stone buildings or indulge in one of the town's famous Bakewell tarts.

Later, we continue by coach to the iconic Chatsworth House, a grand stately home nestled in acres of idyllic parkland. Home to the Cavendish family since 1549, Chatsworth has a rich history and timeless elegance that famously inspired Pemberley, the beloved estate in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

With entry included, you're free to wander the regal halls, grand corridors and opulent staterooms at your own pace. When it's time for lunch, take your pick from a range of inviting cafés and restaurants, including the charming Chatsworth Farm Shop Café. Afterwards, you may choose to stroll through the estate's breathtaking grounds. The historic 105-acre garden is renowned for its striking water features, sculpted landscapes and Victorian Rock Garden. Later, we return by coach to our hotel, with time to unwind before dinner.

We explore the elegant spa town of Buxton after breakfast this morning. At the town's beautiful Edwardian opera house, we're joined by an expert guide who brings Buxton's fascinating history to life. As we stroll through the town, we hear stories of the town's Roman origins and rise to prominence as an iconic spa destination. Along the way, we admire the stunning Georgian architecture of the Buxton Crescent and enjoy the Pavilion Gardens.

After some free time over lunch, we continue to Wirksworth for a scenic roundtrip journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway*, Derbyshire's longest heritage line. Sit back and relax as the train winds through rolling hills, peaceful meadows and charming countryside dotted with rivers and farmlands.

From Wirksworth, we travel back to the hotel by coach, with time to relax before dinner.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Our day begins with a journey on the Peak Rail heritage railway. After breakfast, we are transferred to Rowsley South train station by coach to board a beautifully restored steam-hauled train, where we ride through the charming Derbyshire countryside.

Following our scenic rail journey, we continue by coach to Peak Village, where you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch independently. Later, we're joined by a local guide for a tour of the Peak District, travelling through the valley villages of Baslow and Calver into the dramatic moorlands to Surprise View - one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region, offering sweeping views over the hills above Hathersage.

Continuing through the picturesque Hope Valley, we stop in Castleton and Bradwell. We end the afternoon in Eyam, a quintessential English village of stone cottages and flower-filled gardens, where we learn about the town's dark history during 1655.

As the day draws to a close, we return to the hotel by coach, with time to relax before the final dinner of the holiday.

Please note: on the 17th September departure, Peak Rail will be running their popular Mixed Traffic Gala Event which we can enjoy.

From the rolling green hills to its characterful market towns, the Peak District has swept us away with its timeless charm. We've explored the picturesque town of Bakewell, stepped into history at the iconic Chatsworth House and taken in the scenic countryside aboard the heritage journeys of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and Peak Rail. Our guided tour through the Peak District introduced us to the natural beauty of Hope Valley and Surprise View, as well as the quaint town of Eyam.

As your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, you are free to make your way home. Alternatively, you may decide to continue exploring the area independently.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

We travel on the heritage Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Derbyshire, which take us along one of the most beautiful valleys in the United Kingdom - the Ecclesbourne Valley. The line travels 9 miles along the Valley, between Wirksworth and Duffield. The railway mainly uses diesel hauled railways, however on selected days, there can be a steam hauled service on the new line between Werksworth and Ravenstor. The line first opened in 1867, closing for passenger use in 1947, and closing down completely in 1989. In 2002, after 13 years of disuse, the line re-opened, and is now used as a passenger service, staffed mostly by volunteers.

Peak Rail offers you a journey back to a golden age and experience the excitement of steam and diesel on a preserved railway, operating between Rowsley South and Matlock Platform the line forms part of the old Midland Railway's line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968.

The 4-Star Leonardo Hotel is located in the heart of the city centre, in the historic Cathedral Quarter. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Derby's main shopping area and a four minute taxi ride from the train station. The hotel restaurant serves a hot buffet breakfast with Continental options, and the dinner menu is extensive and seasonal. There is also a Costa coffee bar, a gym and a bar. Guest rooms are ensuite and feature air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, a desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.